This is my first post so be gentle! I was recently diagnosed as AuDHD at 43 and I’ve been reflecting heavily on my childhood and early adulthood. I hated pe in school. Group sports, uncomfortable uniform (I am very sensory!), changing, rules etc etc. I try thought I was just not designed to exercise and yet I am now a personal trainer. But the exercise I do is very much around managing mental health, calming my brain and doing things to make it easier. Eg I often workout in pjs if working out for myself. Or I dress as a hip hop dancer when training clients (husband description, but baggy lifting trousers, baggy sleeveless tops etc) as this is comfortable.
I was wondering what schools do to support kids with autism/adhd (thinking mainstream schools here) learn to love training/exercise/moving the body as exercise can be a powerful tool for people with AuDHD because it boosts the brain chemicals involved in focus and motivation, helps calm an overwhelmed nervous system, improves emotional regulation and executive function, reduces stress and mental chatter, supports better sleep, and provides the predictable structure and sensory input that many autistic and ADHD brains find both calming and rewarding.
I wish someone had taught me this at school vs me working out through trial and error what works for my brain/what training works for me/clothing etc.
I believe in removing barriers with the women I work with but it should start younger than menopause!
Such a good topic! Welcome to the forum and thanks for posting . Absolutely agree with what you posted here, and that the “trial and error” flexible approach is important (it’s what I needed in school and still do to this day!). Also really helpful to consider the challenges and barriers through getting creative and tailoring ideas where possible like you’ve mentioned.
It’s great that you’ve got creative with how you’ve brought movement and exercise into your day to day alongside your work. I use Pomodoro timer throughout my work days, and in my breaks, I’ve recently tried to get in at least 1 stretch or exercise, and felt the benefit for sure.
If you don’t get many responses here, it might be worth posting in the Facebook community:
. Absolutely agree with what you posted here, and that the “trial and error” flexible approach is important (it’s what I needed in school and still do to this day!). Also really helpful to consider the challenges and barriers through getting creative and tailoring ideas where possible like you’ve mentioned.